Sea Safety

The Irish Coast Guard has awarded two major contracts to Zodiac Milpro for the design, construction and delivery of 38 new search and rescue vessels, in a significant €14 million investment aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime rescue capability.

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to put safety first over the October Bank Holiday weekend as Storm Austen approaches, bringing the potential for strong winds, heavy rain and hazardous coastal conditions to parts of Ireland.

The RNLI is modernising its lifeboat fleet to meet the changing demands of lifesaving around Ireland and the UK. As part of its 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy, Irish stations will see a phased introduction of newer, more capable lifeboats, including the new Coastal Lifeboat, designed to enhance rescue capability, improve casualty recovery and help keep volunteer crews safe. While the fleet continues to evolve, the RNLI’s mission remains unchanged: to save every one.

The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are joining together ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day this Saturday (25 July) to remember all those who have tragically lost their lives in Irish waters and to encourage everyone to stay safe when enjoying the water this summer.

Ballinskelligs Inshore Rescue (BIR) has taken another significant step forward in its lifesaving capabilities with the commissioning of a brand-new launch system, purpose-built for its 7-metre Excalibre RIB.

Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day this Saturday (25 July), a Dublin fisherman is sharing how the RNLI's Float to Live advice helped save his life after his boat capsized on the River Shannon.

With hot weather drawing more people to beaches, lakes, rivers and canals, the RNLI is urging everyone to stay safe around the water this summer.

As temperatures rise and people head outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather this weekend, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding the public that while the air may feel warm, the water remains dangerously cold.

Marine apparel and safety equipment manufacturer Helly Hansen has announced a recall of several lifejacket and buoyancy aid models sold in Ireland after identifying manufacturing defects that could compromise buoyancy performance and increase the risk of drowning.

Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, Ireland’s key water safety agencies are urging the public to exercise caution when taking part in activities on or near the water, warning that cold water temperatures continue to pose a significant risk despite warmer weather conditions.

As Ireland approaches the summer season, Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to take greater care around waterways after new figures revealed a stark reality: most people who drown accidentally in Ireland never intended to enter the water.

As the May Bank Holiday weekend approaches, leading water safety organisations are urging the public to prioritise safety when visiting coastal areas or taking part in water-based activities.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Dún Laoghaire volunteer lifeboat crew responded to a tasking by the Coast Guard following reports of a swimmer in difficulty beyond the yellow buoys at Dún Laoghaire's Forty Foot swimming spot.

The volunteer crew from Howth RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat into Storm Dave following a number of 999 calls reporting a kite surfer being blown offshore in strong winds and unable to return safely to shore.

Following a period of poor weather, storms and heavy rainfall, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are reminding the public that checking weather and sea conditions is a critical first step before any coastal or water-based activity.

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are jointly appealing to anyone planning a festive dip over the upcoming Christmas period, to be mindful of the potential risks and to put safety first.

Minister Seán Canney officially broke ground for the new Coast Guard Station in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. This project is a collaborative effort with the Office of Public Works (OPW), with Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran also participating in the ceremony.

As the bank holiday approaches, the Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) collectively urge the public to prioritise safety when engaging in water activities.

Aran Islands RNLI in partnership with An Garda Síochána & Aran Fire and Rescue held the first ever Emergency Services Day on Inis Mór.

Ahead of Storm Amy, which is set to bring wet and windy weather tomorrow (Friday 3 October) and Saturday, the RNLI is urging those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.